Tax Reform 5
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Everyone, except for Malon and Old Ford, was so shocked by Paul's "progressive tax rate" that they couldn't speak.
Lord Grayman, are you sure you're not robbing people?
"Cough, cough!" Hansel cautiously asked, "My lord, have you thought about this progressive tax rate again?"
Paul replied with unwavering certainty, "This is my final decision. The specific rates for each stage can be discussed, but the implementation of progressive taxation is a must."
Seeing the resolute expression on the lord's face, everyone understood that there was no way to stop him.
Watching the various expressions on the faces of those present, Earl Malon Ganard stood up.
"To set a good example, Paul and I have decided to lead by example. Whether it's the income tax or the progressive tax rate, once the official tax policy is implemented, we will start with the two of us. The specifics of our tax payments will be posted on the notice boards of every city's city hall."
"Wow!"
The officials from various departments were taken aback. If it were just Lord Grayman setting this example, they might not have thought much of it; after all, in people's eyes, Paul taxing himself was just money moving from one hand to the other. However, now that Lord Malon Ganard was also joining in, it was different.
It was at this moment that everyone finally realized that Earl Grayman was genuinely striving to create a strong and sound public finance system.
Paul asked, "Is there anyone with different opinions?"
No one raised objections.
Paul turned to his tax supervisor, "Alright, in that case, the specific content will be left to the tax bureau for research. Once the draft is ready, I will convene everyone to discuss it."
Steve Fielding stood up to comply, "As you command, my lord."
Paul then addressed his Chief Justice, Thomas, saying, "After the new tax policy is implemented, there will definitely be people trying to hide their true wealth and income in various ways. We need to further improve the previous laws targeting tax evasion."
"The lord's court will work closely with the tax department, Lord Grayman," Thomas assured him.
…
The meeting on tax reform lasted for more than two hours, and Paul only announced its conclusion as the end of the workday approached.
When Paul returned to his office, he plopped down in the specially crafted boss chair. This chair wasn't just made of hard wood; it was designed based on concepts from his previous life, with a soft sponge filling in the backrest and seat, making it very comfortable.
Since there were no other people present, he comfortably propped his legs on the table in front of him, resting his hands behind his head, lazily leaning back in the chair and imagining the scenario after the new tax policy was implemented.
His secretary, Bernard, pushed open the office door and walked in, but Paul didn't change his position. Bernard was not considered a "stranger"; he had already become part of the castle, just like the old butler, Philip.
"Oh, Bernard, would you like a glass of wine?"
"Thank you, Lord Grayman."
The secretary walked over to the table where the wine was placed, poured two glasses, and walked back to Paul, handing one glass to him.
Paul took the glass with one hand, and their cups lightly clinked in the air, producing a crisp sound.
They each took a small sip.
"Actually, Lord Grayman, I've always had some questions about you."
"Oh, Bernard, since you've had questions all along, why didn't you ask earlier? You are my closest partner at work, so feel free to ask."
Hearing the earl refer to him as a partner, Bernard felt very pleased.
So, he posed his question: "Do you want to be a saint?"
"Saint?" Paul was slightly surprised. He didn't understand why his secretary asked such a thing or what about his behavior seemed saintly.
"Yes, that kind of selfless saint who burns themselves for others."
"Oh, Bernard, you mean an altruist?"
"Altruism? Saints are indeed altruistic."
"Then I really don't know what kind of behavior I've displayed to deserve such a description from you."
"Just look!" Bernard said, looking as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You are so eager to scrape wealth—please forgive me for using that term—but many people see you as somewhat ruthless. However…"
Bernard emphasized the "however."
"The wealth you scrape is not to hoard it, is it? No, you are not a miser; you spend every penny in the treasury."
"Is the money you spend for your own enjoyment? No, with all due respect, your material environment could only be described as shabby among the Aldor nobility."
Bernard put down his wine glass and spread his hands.
"You invest a large amount of money in road construction, technological research, educational development, and even generously lend to private merchants and factory owners at extremely low-interest rates. Isn't that a saintly thing to do? Isn't that altruism?"
Paul smiled as he listened to his secretary. He shook his free hand, indicating disagreement.
"Oh! Bernard, you're wrong; I'm not as noble as you think. A saint? Such a thing is far from the essence of my soul."
Bernard was taken aback. "You're being modest."
"Ha! I'm definitely not being modest, absolutely! Not at all!"
"Then there must be a deeper reason driving you to do this."
"There indeed is a deeper reason driving me to do this."
Paul replied with a smile, "It's for my own material enjoyment."
For a moment, Bernard doubted that the earl was joking with him.
Lord Grayman, look at the various furnishings in this castle. Are you really enjoying it?
"I know you have doubts, but… I'm afraid I cannot fully answer your questions right now."
Paul looked at Bernard slyly, even a little mysteriously.
"However, the material enjoyment I expect is absolutely something that the current world cannot provide. Yes, as a local lord, I can command large numbers of people to work for me with a single command, and I can demand all kinds of products from my territory, but this quantitative change hasn't yet reached the level that would cause a qualitative change."
Amid Bernard's increasingly confused gaze, Paul continued, "The material life I aspire to requires a combination of various conditions to achieve: science, technology, systems, ideologies, and labor—of course, high-quality labor—all of which are indispensable, and they must continuously integrate to achieve the kind of qualitative change I'm looking for."
"That's why I'm working so hard to change this world. If I indulge in the material life at this level for even a minute, the progress toward that qualitative change will slow down by a minute."
(End of the Chapter)
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